September 6, 2018

Neck Pain and Social Security Disability Benefits

When thinking of spinal pain, people typically think of the back or lumbar area. However, the cervical spine can also create pain and limitations that prevent an individual from working. The cervical region consists of seven vertebrae numbered C1 through C7. Injuries or degeneration of this area can require therapy, injections, and even major surgeries to repair damaged areas or provide relieve from severe pain. If your cervical spine is causing pain and keeping you from working, you should file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Many of my clients are diagnosed with Cervical Spondylosis, Cervical Disc Degeneration, and Cervical Spinal Stenosis. Appropriate objective testing such as MRI’s and x-rays can better show the degree of severity to this region. My clients often complain of symptoms including, but not limited to:

Severe pain

Numbness and Tingling

Difficulty Moving the Head in Different Directions

Headaches

Problems lifting and carrying amounts of weight

It is important to have medical records to support this type of claim when you go to your Social Security disability hearing. For example, physical therapy records can show how your injuries to the cervical spine affect your ability to perform a variety of movements or activities. If you can show the Social Security Administration (SSA) or an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) that you have exhausted all treatment options and that you are still disabled from a cervical impairment, you may find yourself with a favorable outcome and get the disability payments you deserve to support yourself and your family.

It is important to remember to let the SSA know about all your impairments. While you may have a severe cervical issue, other impairments like diabetes, asthma, depression, or any other severe impairment can also be considered in combination to find a person disabled.